Higher Frequencies: Pre-5G often explored higher frequency bands, including the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. These frequencies provide wider bandwidths and faster data rates but have shorter propagation distances.
Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): This technology uses multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to enhance the throughput, reliability, and efficiency of wireless communications. By leveraging spatial multiplexing, massive MIMO increases capacity and spectral efficiency.
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC):
Low Latency: To support applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, and real-time industrial automation, pre-5G technologies aimed for ultra-low latency, often targeting latencies of less than 1 millisecond.
Reliability: URLLC ensures high reliability, with extremely low packet error rates, enabling mission-critical applications.
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC):
IoT Integration: As the Internet of Things (IoT) became more prevalent, pre-5G technologies focused on supporting a massive number of devices. mMTC aimed to provide connectivity solutions for billions of devices, from sensors to smart devices, in a cost-effective manner.
Energy Efficiency: To prolong device battery life and manage vast device deployments, pre-5G technologies emphasized energy-efficient communication protocols and mechanisms.
Network Slicing:
Customized Networks: Network slicing allows operators to create multiple virtual networks over a shared physical infrastructure. Each slice can be tailored to meet specific requirements, such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability, catering to diverse applications and services.
Technical Advancements:
Advanced Modulation Schemes:
Pre-5G explored advanced modulation schemes, including higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) variants, to enhance spectral efficiency and data rates.
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV):
By leveraging SDN and NFV, pre-5G aimed for flexible, scalable, and programmable network architectures. These technologies allowed operators to dynamically allocate resources, optimize network performance, and introduce new services rapidly.
Edge Computing and Cloud RAN:
To reduce latency and improve user experience, pre-5G technologies explored edge computing and Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) architectures. By processing data closer to the end-user, these technologies enabled faster response times and efficient data offloading.
